With national and county league positions decided, promotion and relegation settled, it is time for the cup finals. TIM ASHTON looks forward to a great day of rugby.

THIS weekend four of the region's top rugby union clubs go into battle for two major trophies in an atmosphere of fever pitch rivalry and claims to being the best in Kent.

On May 7 at 2pm Old Gravesendians and Beccehamians, winners of their respective leagues, clash for the Shepherd Neame Kent Vase.

Then, at 4pm, Beckenham and Old Dunstonians, clubs separated by less than a mile, go head to head for the Shepherd Neame Kent Plate.

The Vase final promises to be a titanic clash as Old Gs, who finished as unbeaten champions of Powergen League Kent Division Two, face the champions of Kent Division One.

Becces took the Division One title by seven points losing just once, scoring almost 500 points in 18 matches and conceding 171.

Old Gs took maximum points as they powered to the championship, scoring 385 points in 16 games and conceding just 136.

Something has got to give but Jim Bryan of Beccehamians, who overcame Gillingham Anchorians 14-0 in the semi-final, is quietly confident.

He said: "We were in the final last year but lost to Dover. Expectations are much higher this year, given the season we've had."

The team had a run-out at the weekend against Warlingham, winners of the Surrey league, to keep themselves in shape.

Jim said: "We're probably the favourites to win and are quietly confident but nothing is ever certain in rugby.

"Coach Michael Hook takes nothing for granted."

As for Old Gs, who beat Erith 43-3 in the semi-final, they are looking to end their successful season with even more silverware.

John Oxtoby said: "We are a stronger team than before despite being the same squad of players, we're older and more experienced.

"Our New Zealand coach, Colin Crow, has instilled organisation and a positive attitude into the team.

"Fitness levels are also much improved, with well-attended training sessions a feature of the season."

He added: "The squad is continuing to train up to the final and beyond in readiness for their debut in Kent League One, a level they have never before reached."

In the fight for neighbourhood bragging rights there can be no better clash than Beckenham against Old Dunstonians in the Kent Plate final.

Neither team made a telling impact in their respective divisions with Beckenham finishing seventh in Powergen League London Division Two South and Old Ds taking third in London Division Three South East.

Beckenham joined the Plate at the quarter final stage and destroyed Charlton Park 24-3 before beating Old Colfeians 25-15 in the semi-final.

Chairman Neil Millan said: "It will be a tough match because Old Ds are ambitious and although they play in the league below us, for most of the season they had high expectations of being promoted to our level.

"They did not make it, so may have something to prove and beating us would do that."

With the Plate final marking the end of the reign of Beckenham coaches Simon Kift, after 15 years, and Conrad Bool, Millan is hopeful for a fitting send off.

He said: "They have been coaching the team as a pair for three years and it has been a very successful period for the club.

"It would be great for them to finish with a victory and some silverware for the trophy cabinet."

Old Dunstonians began in the first round before a thumping 61-7 victory over Folkestone, a narrow 16-7 win over Gravesend and comfortable 38-19 triumph over Ashford paved the way to the final.

The two finals take place at Ashford RFC, Kinneys Field, Canterbury Road, Bybrook, Ashford, Kent.

For full match reports, read next week's News Shopper.